Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku secured a 3-0 victory for Belgium against Turkey, rescuing the national team in a match described as chaotic by local media. Head coach Mark van Bommel’s side relied on veteran brilliance to seal the result, keeping Belgium’s campaign on track despite an unconvincing performance on the pitch.
The fixture marked Belgium’s third international under van Bommel. According to a report by the Belgian newspaper HLN, the outing was the least convincing of his tenure so far, featuring what the publication characterized as casino-style football along the banks of the Meuse river.
Veteran brilliance secures the victory in Liège
De Bruyne, playing at 35 years of age, opened the scoring and orchestrated the match’s defining moments. La Libre reported that De Bruyne struck a precise shot past the post following a one-touch pass from Dodi Lukebakio, reminiscent of his prime years at Manchester City. De Bruyne later added a second goal from the edge of the penalty area, a long-range effort that drew applause from the home crowd in Liège.
Lukaku sealed the win late in the match by scoring Belgium’s third goal from close range. The striker is now just six goals away from reaching 100 international goals for the national team.
Media outlets contrast aging stars with enduring impact
Coverage across Belgian sports media highlighted the contrast between the physical decline of the aging squad and their decisive impact on the pitch.
In the same report, Het Nieuwsblad contrasted Lukaku’s commitment with that of other veteran forwards, noting that the striker threw himself into the contest without hesitation to silence his critics.
Meanwhile, Sudinfo emphasized that both players consistently prioritize the national selection over their personal frustrations. The outlet noted that despite managing reduced playing time at their respective club levels, both veterans continue to carry the offensive load for a transitional generation of Belgian football.
Questions about Belgians’ future performances
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals does Romelu Lukaku need to reach 100 for Belgium?
Lukaku needs six more goals to reach the milestone of 100 international goals for the national team, following his strike against Turkey.
What did media outlets say about Kevin De Bruyne’s physical condition?
Outlets including HLN and Het Nieuwsblad noted that while De Bruyne’s physical engine has aged and he rarely plays full 90-minute matches for Napoli, his technical ability during the first hour of matches proves he remains vital to the squad.
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